2 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

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2 David M. Sundman President, Littleton Coin Co. Dear Collector, Collecting ancient coins can be both awe-inspiring and exciting. Imagine owning a coin struck before the time of Christ and actually holding it in your hand, instead of looking at it in a museum case. You have an object that s familiar, centuries old, and you own it! Yet, forming a collection of those same coins can be daunting, especially if you re just entering the field of ancient numismatics. That s why we developed this handy guide and checklist. It has been used at the ANA Summer Seminars, given to collectors in the field, and will help you as you build your own collection. Latest 48-page edition helps make collecting easy In this updated 4th edition of How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins, you ll find: Biographies of emperors and some of their family Updated photos of the Imperial portrait coins of emperors and their wives Provincial (Greek Imperial) coinage section with photos Information on portrait and non-portrait coins Coins of Julius Caesar, Marc Antony and Cleopatra An updated glossary Most collectors choose to begin with Roman Imperial coins. One of the wonderful features of Imperial coins is that they bear the portraits of the emperors who issued them over 1,500 years ago. In fact, some rulers are only known to us today because of their portrait coins, and sometimes these coins provide archaeologists with a means of dating a site. People have collected ancients for centuries The collecting of ancient coins has been going on for nearly as long as coins have been in existence. Alexander the Great gave coins to his friends, and Augustus collected them. As you build your collection of ancient Roman coins, you ll enjoy an amazing variety of portraits spanning more than 500 years, and uncover the incredible stories of the men and women that they portray! Happy collecting, David M. Sundman Professional Numismatists Guild member #510 2 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

3 Table of Contents Introduction Often-Asked Questions About Ancient Coins...4 Denominations of Roman Coins...6 How to Read Ancient Roman Coin Inscriptions...8 Roman Provincial Coinage...10 Julius Caesar, Marc Antony & Cleopatra...12 The Emperors of Ancient Rome...14 Reference List...40 A Short Glossary of Roman Terms...42 Bits & Pieces...44 Checklist of Ancient Roman Emperors...46 Roman Imperial coinage shown on cover: Gold Aureus of Nero A scarce, historically significant coin, the coin was struck after a plot to murder this depraved emperor was discovered. Gordian I A scarce issue of the short-lived emperor who ruled less than a month. As one of the wealthiest in the empire, he reluctantly accepted the title of emperor when he was about 80. Bronze Coin of Constantine the Great One of Rome s greatest emperors, who celebrated a successful reign with renewal of his vows (vota) to the gods, as shown on the reverse of this coin. To assist the reader in coin identification, every effort has been made to present actual-size photographs. Littleton Coin Company

4 I. How popular is ancient coin collecting? U.S. coin collecting has grown in popularity since the 1850s, while ancient coin collecting has been a popular hobby for centuries worldwide. European monarchs and even popes have assembled impressive collections since medieval times (and ancient coin reference books date back to the 1500s). Many people shy away from collecting ancient coins because they think they are complicated. But ancients are the basis for all modern coinage the majority have an obverse and reverse design. And Roman Imperial coins have portraits, making them very similar to U.S. coins. Most collectors choose coins based on obverse designs, but some enjoy collecting various reverses. While it is possible to collect coins from nearly all of the Roman emperors, some are difficult to find because the emperors only ruled for a short time. Usurpers and self-proclaimed rulers also struck coins, and many of these are quite rare. II. How can some ancient coins be so inexpensive? Ancient civilizations issued coins from about 650 B.C. to A.D. 500, a span of 1,200 years, which is six times longer than the history of the United States. And there were hundreds of mints spread over a much larger area. Since there were no banks, coins were usually buried and for various reasons, many were never retrieved. Numerous hoards have been found in lands of former ancient empires, especially since the advent of the metal detector. Experts estimate that one half of 1% of all ancients ever struck survive today, which is still a sizable number. Compared to people collecting U.S. coins, the number collecting ancients is still relatively small. That means there aren t as many competing for the same coins, although some are still hard to find. III. How do you know if coins are authentic? Ancients have been studied and collected throughout the world for many centuries. Expertise in this field has been developed over a long period of time. All ancient coins offered by Littleton have been carefully examined by our experts and are guaranteed genuine. IV. How are the coins acquired? Littleton obtains ancient coins from leading specialists throughout the world. All coins have been legally imported into the U.S. following all applicable laws and regulations. V. Who grades the coins and by what standards? Ancient coins offered by Littleton are obtained from leading specialists in the field. They are then graded by our in-house experts following standards for 4 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

5 ancient coins. This method differs from grading of modern issues due to the nature of coin blanks, minting processes, compositions and age. Ancient coin blanks were usually uniform in weight but irregular in shape. Because most were hand struck using dies and hammers, centering of the design and quality of the strike are factors in grading. In addition, the metals used and the aging process (up to 2,000 years or more) affect the appearance and finish of the coins in all grades so grading standards are unique for individual issues. VI. Have the coins been cleaned? Unlike modern issues, it is usually necessary for experts to clean ancient coins. As most are found in buried hoards, nearly all have been cleaned, even rarities worth thousands of dollars. Experts clean the ancients we offer using a variety of techniques employed by world-class museums and leading coin authorities. Coins should never be cleaned, except by experts. VII. How were ancient coins minted? The earliest Roman coins and some Biblical issues were cast (molten metal poured into molds and allowed to harden). Ancient Roman coins were cast until about 211 B.C., then all issues were struck using handheld dies and hammers. The design of one side was carved into a metal disk or die which fit into an anvil, and the design of the other side was carved into the base of a metal punch. A coin blank was placed on the die in the anvil, and the punch was placed over it. With one or more sharp blows of a hammer, a coin was made (as a result, ancients are sometimes weakly struck, off center or double struck). VIII. What sizes and denominations are the coins? While ancients can range in diameter from the size of a pea to the size of a silver dollar, there were general size standards for various denominations. Among the most familiar ancient Greek coins are the stater, drachm and tetradrachm (equal to four drachms). The most familiar ancient Roman silver coin for centuries was the denarius, which was followed and replaced by the antoninianus. IX. What is on the reverse of the coins? The earliest Greek coins are uniface (a design only on one side with a punch-mark reverse), but most depict mythological figures and images on both sides. The obverse or heads side of most ancient Roman coins pictures the ruling emperor at the time of striking. The reverse usually depicts deities, mythological figures or symbols of the rulers authority. X. What coins are classified as ancient? The earliest coins are attributed to Lydia in Asia Minor about B.C., but coins may have been used earlier in China. The term ancient usually applies to coins from the earliest known issues to those struck during the first five centuries A.D., about 1200 years of coinage. Littleton Coin Company

6 Like coinage of today, Ancient Rome s coins represented portions of larger denominations. The as, the basic unit, functioned like our penny. And like our penny, through inflation, it experienced a loss of buying power. During the time of the Roman Republic, you could buy a loaf of bread for 1 2 as or a liter of wine for one as. A year s pay for a commander in the Roman army around 133 B.C. was asses, by Augustus rule (27 B.C.-A.D. 14) 74 denarii, and by the reign of Septimus Severus (A.D ) 1,500 denarii. 1 As = a whole or one unit 2 Asses = 1 Dupondius 4 Asses = 1 Sestertius 16 Asses = 1 silver Denarius 8 Dupondii = 1 Denarius 4 Sestertii = 1 Denarius 1 Antoninianus = 2 Denarii 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii Below is a brief description of eleven of the most common denominations issued in the Ancient Roman Empire. AS: Initially, the as was cast in bronze. Later, with reduction in weight, it was small enough to be struck with coin dies. With Augustus coinage reforms in 23 B.C., this coin was struck in copper and showed the emperor with a bare or laureated head. By the rule of Valerian and his son Gallienus in the middle of the 3rd century, the as was infrequently struck. DUPONDIUS: Worth two asses; literally means two-pounder, but even during the Roman Republic, it didn t weigh 2 pounds. Though this brass coin was more yellow in color, it was still easily confused with the as. Under Nero (A.D ), it began to show an emperor with a radiate crown. SESTERTIUS: Originally a small silver coin issued around 211 B.C., the sestertius was worth asses. Under Augustus, it became a large golden orichalcum (brass) coin worth 4 asses. Its large size allowed emperors to commemorate victories, triumphs or virtues as rulers. By the 3rd century A.D., the sestertius had become a smaller bronze coin, and after Gallienus reign (A.D ), it was no longer minted. 6 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

7 FOLLIS Nummus : Emperor Diocletian first minted the follis, a bronze coin with a minute amount of silver (usually a wash), around A.D Because of the chaotic state of the empire, it rapidly underwent changes, decreasing in size and weight. REDUCED FOLLIS: Through time, economic changes forced a reduction in size and weight of the bronze follis. Under Constantine, it was gradually reduced and replaced. CENTENIONALIS: Introduced by Constantius II in A.D. 348, this bronze coin was larger than the follis, which by that time, had shrunk to about 15 mm (smaller than a dime). DENARIUS: Standard silver coin of the Roman Empire, first issued about 211 B.C. It was used for over 450 years, and about 25 denarii equaled one gold aureus. It depicted the emperor wearing a laurel wreath. The last denarii were struck under Gordian III (A.D ). ANTONINIANUS Double Denarius : Caracalla first minted the antoninianus around A.D It is named for him: M. Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla. This silver coin shows the emperor wearing a radiate crown as opposed to the laurel wreath of the denarius. Starting with 50% silver, this coin was gradually debased to a silver wash. Finally, it was abolished during the reign of Constantine the Great (A.D ). SILIQUA: A silver coin struck on a broad planchet, introduced by Constantine the Great in A.D It was 1/96th of a Roman pound. In time, the weight was reduced and minting stopped all together around A.D AUREUS Golden : Standard gold coin of the Roman Empire. First issued regularly under Julius Caesar around 46 B.C. Although it was reduced in weight through time, the gold content remained consistently high. The aureus circulated until A.D. 309 when Constantine the Great replaced it. SOLIDUS: Gold coin minted by Constantine the Great, replacing and weighing less than the aureus. This coin, later struck by the Byzantine Empire, endured for seven centuries as a circulating gold coin used for commerce in Europe. Littleton Coin Company

8 Sestertius portrait coin of Domitian: While not entirely realistic, coin portraits visually identified the emperor. The inscription not only named the current ruler, but also proclaimed the legitimacy of his authority. AVG: Augustus, title of the emperor. GERM: Germanicus, a title honoring military victories in Germany. COS: Consul, a title linked to highest office in Senate, usually held by emperor. XI: Reflects number of times office held DOMIT: Domitianus, ruler s name. CENS: Censor, a public office overseeing taxes, morality, the census and membership in various orders. CAES: Caesar. Inherited name of the Julian family (Julius Caesar). Used by later emperors to designate heir. IMP: Imperator (victorious general), received upon accession PO: Pontifex Maximus. Highest priest. The head of state religion. TPP: Tribunica Potestate. Tribune of the people. Each renewal indicated by numerals. Coin enlarged to show detail Crowns were originally a mark of honor for those who had distinguished themselves in battle. The crown worn on imperial coins is one of the many ways of identifying the denomination and possible date of issue. Laureate: Emperor wears a wreath of laurel, oak or ivy branches. Most common crown in first 350 years. It frequently distinguishes single denominations. Radiate: Spiky crown associated with sun god Sol, primarily used on double denomination coins like Antoninianus and Dupondius (after A.D. 64). Diadem: A band of metal or cloth, often decorated, used extensively starting with Constantine the Great. 8 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

9 Bronze Duponduis of the Moneyers Issued in 17 B.C. by Augustus, this coin celebrates his reign, and perhaps the Secular Games. The S.C. (Senatus consulto) on the reverse is surrounded by the Moneyer s name. Bronze Prutah of Antonius Felix, procurator of Judea under Claudius A.D Portrait coins of Britannicus are extremely rare, yet this coin bears his abbreviated name in Greek, and is very affordable. BPIT = BRITANNICUS Bronze Quadrans non-portrait coin of Claudius Coins without portraits were issued in various denominations by the Roman emperors. These non-portrait coins might have commemorated a family member, founding of a city or an important event. Most bear the name of the issuing emperor. CLAVDIVS: Claudius, ruler s name. TI: Tiberius Obverse Design Modius Traditional Roman grain measure symbolizing imperial generosity. AVG: Augustus, title of the emperor. CAESAR: Caesar. Inherited name of the Julian family (Julius Caesar). Used by later emperors to designate heir. Coin enlarged to show detail Littleton Coin Company

10 Cicero Denounces Catiline Cesare Maccari, 1889 Imperial portrait issues of Macrinus are hard to find and expensive, but this Provincial issue makes an affordable alternative. As Rome spread its influence and consolidated power, lands once held by barbarian tribes, independent city-states, and Hellenistic kingdoms fell under its authority. Because the Romans left local systems like religion, rulers and coinage in place, those areas, Roman provinces, continued to produce coins. These local issues, once struck in over 500 cities, could circulate within a single city or across an entire region. Provincal coins offer an affordable way to collect scarce & rare emperors Today, these make up the group known as Provincial coinage, which some call Greek Imperials. Provincial coinage now offers an affordable way to collect coins of emperors whose Imperial issues are both rare and expensive. Legends can be in Greek or Latin, or both! Because many areas once were part of the Greek Empire of the illustrious Alexander the Great, the citizens considered themselves Greek and spoke that language. So, Provincial coins can have legends in either Greek or Latin, and sometimes both. This coinage has several features that make it different from Roman Imperial coins. Unlike Roman coinage, which was issued regularly and had fixed denominations, Provincial coinage was issued Nero silver Tetradrachm of Antioch, A.D. 63/64 Emperor s name & title in Greek NERO CAESAR Eagle Reverse sporadically and was based on local or Greek denominations. At the empire s beginnings, mints in both the East and West struck coins. But by the reign of Claudius, A.D , as Roman Imperial issues spread, western Provincial coinage ceased. Eastern mints continued to strike coins for another 200 years because a minting tradition passed down from Alexander the Great s successors was already in place. 10 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

11 Location of the 3 most important eastern Provincial mints Italy Rome Greece Asia Minor Antioch Tyre North Africa Alexandria The Shekel of Tyre could have been the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for Christ s betrayal. Struck from 126 B.C.-A.D. 58/59 in Tyre. Later, Rome moved all minting to Antioch. Antioch, Tyre and Alexandria three important Provincial mints: Three of the greatest eastern mints were Antioch and Tyre in Syria, and Alexandria in Egypt. The Syrian mints produced the famous coins mentioned in the Bible, like the silver tetradrachms with various emperors portraits, and Tyrian shekels. By A.D. 60, Antioch had absorbed Tyre s coinage, and continued to strike coins until the reign of Trebonianus Gallus. Provincial bronze of Augustus celebrates refounding of a Roman colony Founded by Alexander the Great, the mint at Alexandria, Egypt outlasted all other provincial mints. When Augustus defeated Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, Egypt became the personal property of the emperor. This rich country served as the breadbasket of Rome, and already had a coinage system that was closed. Under this closed system, coins were struck and circulated only in Egypt. Future emperors maintained this system until Diocletian s reforms of Provincial bronze coin of Carinus struck at Alexandria for circulation in Egypt A.D At that time, all Provincial coinage ended, and was replaced by Imperial issues. Littleton Coin Company

12 Silver Denarius of Julius Caesar, B.C. Pre-Imperial Coinage: The coins struck between the death of the dictator Sulla, 78 B.C., and the rise of Octavian (future Augustus) are transitional coinage, connecting the Republican and Imperial eras. During this time, bold generals raised huge armies, striving for the ultimate prize power. Three rulers stand out amid the turmoil two men and a woman whose power was so great and stories so compelling that today they seem almost legendary: Julius Caesar, Marc Antony and Cleopatra. Julius Caesar, B.C. General, reformer and dictator One man, Julius Caesar, rose from the chaos and brought an interval of stability, setting the Roman world on the road to imperial rule. When Caesar crossed the Rubicon, marched on Rome and drove the great general Pompey into Greece, he financed this invasion and secured the loyalty of his troops by striking silver denarii. These historic Roman coins have his name and an elephant trampling a snake on the obverse. Many numismatists believe the snake represents Salus, god of safety, and the elephant represents Pompey. After Pompey s defeat, Caesar was appointed to the office of Rare bronze portrait coin of Julius Caesar dictator, renewed annually. He was assassinated on March 15, 44 B.C. The Death of Caesar Jean-Léon Gérôme, LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

13 Marc Antony, B.C. Antony served with Julius Caesar in Gaul and in 44 B.C., became co-consul. At Caesar s death, he joined forces with Octavian, becoming part of the Second Triumvirate (43-33 B.C.) While on a campaign to reorganize the East in 42 B.C., he met the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. When the two married, his strained alliance with Octavian became a struggle for world dominance. In 31 B.C., Octavian declared war on Cleopatra, culminating in the Battle of Actium. Although Antony and Cleopatra were defeated, the silver Denarii Antony issued to pay his soldiers still exist. The battle at Actium Lorenzo A. Castro, 1672 Silver Legionary Denarius of Marc Antony, B.C. Bronze coin of Antony and Cleopatra, B.C. Cleopatra John W. Waterhouse, 1888 Egyptian bronze portrait coin of Cleopatra, last of the Ptolemies Cleopatra, B.C. When ancient Rome was still a backwater town, Alexandria was the cultural center of the ancient world, and Cleopatra was queen. While Caesar was busy conquering Gaul, Cleopatra was ruling Egypt with her brother. More than a match for Rome s greatest military minds, this highly educated, politically astute woman became Caesar s mistress and Marc Antony s wife. After defeat at Actium, Cleopatra and her maids were found dead in their apartments. Contrary to the popular asp bite story, many historians believed they took poison. Littleton Coin Company

14 One of the most popular ways to collect ancient Roman coins is by emperor, as most bear a portrait of the issuing ruler. This section includes imperial portrait coins of most of the emperors and their families, followed by a brief description of their lives. Dates for reign as Caesar as well as Augustus are included. The emperor s family or adopted name follows his historical name. As you read, look at the progression as rulers adopt a predecessor s names to advertise their legitimacy. We hope you enjoy collecting ancient Roman coins, and that you find this guide to ancient Roman coins useful and entertaining. Please Note: Because of the wide variety of portraits used, the photo opposite each description serves as a representation of the emperor s portrait individual portraits will vary. AUGUSTUS (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavius) 27 B.C.-A.D. 14 Augustus (known as Octavian until 27 B.C.) was the first Roman to use the title Augustus, and was Rome s first emperor. He laid down the foundation for provincial administration, preserved republican institutions, and returned the administration of government to the Senate. LIVIA (Livia Drusilla) Augusta A.D Livia came from a noble family, and was the second wife of Augustus. Their marriage of 52 years was based on compatibility and love. Politically savvy, she was involved in conspiracies to ensure her son Tiberius succession. She died at age 85. AGRIPPA (Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa) Tribunician Power B.C. As classmate and friend of Augustus, Agrippa had a distinguished military career and won many honors. He married Augustus daughter and received the tribunician power (made heir to throne). He died in 12 B.C. TIBERIUS (Tiberius Claudius Nero) Augustus A.D One of the empire s best generals and an experienced administrator, shared rule during the last 10 years of Augustus life. Tiberius ruled during Christ s life, and by continuing the policies instituted by Augustus, increased Rome s prosperity. To assist the reader in coin identification, every effort has been made to present actual-size photographs. 14 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

15 DRUSUS the Younger (Drusus Julius Caesar) Born 14 B.C./Died A.D. 23 Son of Tiberius and Vipsania, who eventually received the tribunician power. Compared to his father, he was inferior in almost every way. He was poisoned by his wife and her lover, Sejanus (praetorian prefect of Tiberius). NERO CLAUDIUS DRUSUS the Elder Born 38 B.C./Died 9 B.C. Youngest son of Tiberius and Livia. One of the greatest heroes of his time. After becoming general of the armies in Germany, he had outstanding success. Married Marc Antony s youngest daughter Antonia. After his death, the Senate honored him with the title and surname Germanicus. GERMANICUS (Germanicus Julius Caesar) Born 15 B.C./Died A.D. 19 Son of Nero Claudius Drusus, brother of Claudius. He was very popular with the legions. They wanted him to fight for the rule of the empire, but Germanicus remained loyal. As nephew of Tiberius, he became Caesar in A.D. 4. While overseeing the succession to the throne in Antioch, he was poisoned. NERO CAESAR (Nero Julius Caesar) (Born A.D. 7/Died A.D. 30/31) and DRUSUS CAESAR (Drusus Julius Caesar) (Born A.D. 8/Died A.D. 33) Sons of Germanicus and Agrippina. Nero was highly educated and outstanding in character, the opposite of his brother, Drusus. He fell victim to a plot by Sejanus and Drusus, and was exiled to an island where he died. Drusus helped plot his brother s downfall, but became a victim of political intrigue, too. He was arrested and died in prison. CALIGULA (Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Youngest son of Germanicus and Agrippina, and brother to Nero and Drusus Caesar. He was given the nickname Caligula by soldiers because as a young boy, he wore a small soldier s uniform along with the half-boot (caliga). Caligula (or Bootsie ) became emperor after smothering Tiberius. He soon became excessively cruel and was murdered by a group of praetorians. Littleton Coin Company

16 CLAUDIUS (Tiberius Claudius Drusus) Augustus A.D Claudius was the son of Nero Claudius Drusus. He suffered from infantile paralysis and his family considered him dullwitted, so he wasn t considered for any serious office. After Caligula s death, the legions took an oath in Claudius name, and forced the Senate to accept him. Claudius participated in the invasion of Britain and proved to be a capable ruler. NERO (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Nero had a happy first year of rule. Eventually he killed his half-brother, mother, aunt, wife and tutors. Many noble families became victims of his murderous rage. Legend says Nero started the fire which burned ten districts in Rome. After the Praetorian Guard deserted him, he committed suicide. GALBA (Servius Sulpicius Galba) Ruled about seven months A.D First of 4 rulers in what is known as The Year of Four Emperors. Confirmed by the Senate, Galba alienated the Praetorian Guard by refusing to reward them for bringing him to power. The army eventually killed him because of his strict discipline and thriftiness. OTHO (Marcus Salvius Otho) Ruled about 3 months A.D. 69 The Senate accepted Otho, but legions in Germany named their general Vitellius emperor. The two battled for the empire, skirmishing and later fighting at the First Battle of Bedriacum, where heavy losses occurred. When Otho learned of the outcome, he committed suicide. VITELLIUS (Aulus Vitellius) Ruled almost 8 months A.D. 69 After becoming emperor, Vitellius gradually left the government to his freeman, Asiaticus, and focused his attention on lavish banquets and eating. Defeated by Vespasian s soldiers, his body was dragged through the streets of Rome. VESPASIAN (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) Augustus A.D Vespasian brought calm and sanity after years of bloodshed. He was a just ruler, from a humble background. He built the Colosseum, Rome s best-known ruin. After ruling 10 years, and bringing stability to Rome, he died at age seventy. 16 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

17 TITUS (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Elder son of Vespasian, who is best known for his part in the war in Judaea. Mt. Vesuvius erupted during his reign. He was a good ruler, looking after the people s welfare. Most historians now think that Titus died from fever, not poisoning by his brother Domitian. DOMITIAN (Titus Flavius Domitianus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Domitian was the youngest son of Vespasian, and last of the Twelve Caesars. Taxation made him unpopular with the senate and upper class, causing plots against him. In later years, he became suspicious and cruel. Members of his household killed him. NERVA (Marcus Cocceius Nerva) Augustus A.D One of the good emperors, Nerva tended to the poor, reorganized the empire s finances, and brought peaceful relationships into existence between the army and Senate. TRAJAN (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) Caesar A.D. 97 Augustus A.D Trajan was popular with the army and Senate. Under his rule, the Roman Empire reached its largest size. Many public works were undertaken during his reign. HADRIAN (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) Augustus A.D Hadrian was adopted by Trajan and continued his governmental policies. Hadrian s Wall in Britain is one of the many fortifications he ordered to protect the empire s frontiers. SABINA (Vibia Sabina) Augusta A.D. 128?-136 Entered an arranged marriage with Hadrian long before he became emperor. Contemporary history paints their 36 years of marriage as unhappy, but Sabina accompanied Hadrian on most of his journeys throughout the empire. AELIUS (Lucius Aelius Verus) Caesar A.D Adopted by Hadrian, stories about his character vary. Some say he was unfit to rule, and others say he was competent and fair. Always weak and unhealthy, Aelius eventually died. Littleton Coin Company

18 ANTONINUS PIUS (Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus) Caesar A.D. 138 Augustus A.D A former senator adopted by Hadrian, Antoninus adopted his relative Marcus Aurelius to succeed him as emperor. He had a peaceful reign in which the economy flourished. FAUSTINA SR. (Annia Galeria Faustina) Augusta A.D /1 From a wealthy, noble Spanish family, Faustina Senior married Antoninus Pius about A.D Three years after Antoninus became emperor, Faustina Sr. died and was deified on a vast number of Imperial coins. MARCUS AURELIUS (Marcus Annius Verus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Under Marcus Aurelius Rome s prosperity continued, but there were border problems with the barbarians. A careful, moral ruler, his writings survived, showing he should have been a philosopher instead of emperor. He made Lucius Verus co-emperor. FAUSTINA JR. (Annia Galeria Faustina) Augusta A.D /6 Faustina Jr. became the first daughter of an emperor to marry an emperor, and give birth to a future emperor. She died from natural causes. Ancient historians accuse her of numerous infidelities. She travelled extensively with her husband Marcus Aurelius, and earned the title Mater Castrorum (mother of the camps). LUCIUS VERUS (Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus) Augustus A.D Lucius became Colleague in the Principate in A.D He was almost the opposite of Marcus Aurelius in character. In A.D. 169, he died while returning to Rome from battles in Dacia. LUCILLA (Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla) Augusta A.D /3 The daughter of Marcus Aurelius, wed at 16 to co-emperor Lucius Verus. Widowed at 20, her father carefully selected a respected, older senator as her next husband. When her involvement in a plot to murder her brother Emperor Commodus was exposed, she was exiled and put to death. 18 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

19 COMMODUS (Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Made Augustus and co-emperor in A.D When Marcus Aurelius son Commodus came to rule, the peaceful era that had existed from Galba to Aurelius ended. Mental instability marked his later life, and he often appeared dressed like Hercules. His mistress gave him poison and an athlete strangled him. CRISPINA (Bruttia Crispina) Augusta A.D /3 She married Commodus in A.D. 177, the same year he became emperor. According to contemporary historians, she was exceptionally beautiful. As Commodus insanity progressed, she supposedly engaged in many affairs, resulting in banishment and death. Now it is believed she took part in an attempt on his life. PERTINAX (Publius Helvius Pertinax) Ruled about 3 months A.D. 193 Starting as teacher, Pertinax joined the military and rose to commander, serving under Marcus Aurelius and his son. Most historians think he knew of the plot to kill Commodus, but praise his efforts to reform government corruption and stop bribes the army received. The Praetorian guard revolted, and murdered him. DIDIUS JULIANUS (Marcus Didius Severus Julianus) Ruled for 66 days A.D. 193 One of 3 emperors who ruled during a 6-month span, Didius won the office of emperor during an auction at the army camp. Offended Roman citizens appealed to three frontier generals to rescue them. He was beheaded, a fate usually reserved for common criminals. PESCENNIUS NIGER (Gaius Pescennius Niger) Ruled less than a year A.D After a long military career, Pescennius became governor of Syria. When Pertinax was murdered, he was one of the generals Rome s citizens sent pleas to, but word reached him late, and Septimus Severus had acted. In the summer of A.D. 193, the two met and fought several successive battles. He died sometime in A.D CLODIUS ALBINUS (Decimus Clodius Septimius Albinus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Served as governor in Germany and later Britain. He also received appeals from Rome s citizens. Under Septimius Severus, he became Caesar. Later when Septimius elevated his own sons and named him enemy, Clodius troops made him emperor. Battle occurred in A.D. 197, and after losing, he committed suicide. Littleton Coin Company

20 SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (Lucius Septimius Severus) Augustus A.D The 3rd general who received appeals from Rome, he became emperor after defeating both of his rivals Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus. He adopted a military-style government, while paying little attention to the Senate. JULIA DOMNA (Julia Domna) Augusta A.D A woman of beauty, intelligence and wit, Julia Domna was matriarch of the Severan dynasty. Her staunch refusal to allow the empire to be divided between her sons was her greatest feat. She was so well respected that she retained the title of Augusta even after her sons died. CARACALLA (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Elder son of Septimius and brother of Geta. His nickname, Caracalla, came from the Gallic coat he wore. He convinced the Praetorian Guard to murder his brother. Known for his extravagances and cruelties, he was murdered by his praetorian prefect. Caracalla s Baths in Rome still exist. PLAUTILLA (Publia Fulvia Plautilla) Augusta A.D Caracalla and Plautilla s marriage was a political arrangement, not love. Supposedly, they wouldn t even dine together because they disliked each other so much. After Caracalla killed her father, he divorced and exiled her, and later had her murdered. GETA (Lucius Septimius Geta) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Younger son of Septimius, who was popular with the military and co-ruled with his brother, Caracalla. Prior to turning 23, Geta was murdered by guards under his brother s command. MACRINUS (Marcus Opellius Macrinus) Augustus A.D He was involved in Caracalla s death, and ruled for about 14 months. After making an unfavorable peace treaty with the Parthians, the army revolted, killing him and his son. It was instigated by the grandmother of future emperor Elagabalus. 20 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

21 DIADUMENIAN (Marcus Opellius Diadumenianus) Caesar A.D Ruled for one month in A.D. 218 Diadumenian became Caesar in A.D. 217, and became Augustus at 10 years old. He was killed in the revolt that took his father s life. JULIA MAESA (Julia Maesa) Augusta A.D /5 A shrewd woman of wealth and courage, Julia Maesa was the sister of Julia Domna and Elagabalus and Severus Alexander s grandmother. She bribed the Eastern legions helping Elagabalus gain power, and tried to restrain his excessive behaviors. She survived his assassination, but died three years later. ELAGABALUS (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) Augustus A.D Elagabalus was disliked because of his unusual Eastern religious practices and extravagances. His rule was noted for cruelty, bloodshed and excesses of every type. JULIA SOAEMIAS (Julia Soaemias Bassiana) Augusta A.D Became Augusta when her 14-year-old son Elagabalus was named emperor. Of the four women of the Severan dynasty, Soaemias was the least responsible in her duties. She was slain, along with her son, by the Praetorian Guard. SEVERUS ALEXANDER (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Severus Alexander, who was adopted by his cousin Elagabalus, ruled wisely and justly with the help of his mother and advisors. He was killed by his soldiers during a German campaign. JULIA MAMAEA (Julia Avita Mamaea) Augusta A.D When her son Severus Alexander became emperor, Julia Mamaea influenced the empire s politics for over a decade. Although she was popular with some Romans, others disliked her because of her greed and arrogance. The army hung both Julia and her son. MAXIMINUS I THRAX (Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus) Augustus A.D Historical sources say Thrax had great strength and size, standing over feet tall. After he became emperor, he increased taxes, making him unpopular. Both he and his son, Maximus, were murdered by the soldiers of Legion II. Littleton Coin Company

22 MAXIMUS (Gaius Julius Verus Maximus) Caesar A.D. 235/6-238 Maximus became proud and insolent after his father Maximinus I named him Caesar. His attitude made him hated by Roman citizens and the military. Eventually his troops executed him. GORDIAN I (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus ) Ruled 21 days in A.D. 238 Said to be one of the wealthiest men in the empire, and a man of great integrity. His troops in Africa named him emperor, but due to his age, he made his son co-emperor. He committed suicide when he learned that his son, Gordian II, had been killed in a battle. GORDIAN II (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus ) Ruled 20 days in A.D. 238 Although Gordian II was highly educated, with a library of over 62,000 books, he led an inexperienced, undisciplined group of locals against an army of Carthaginians. When the forces met, Gordian s men fled. Many were trampled trying to escape, and he was killed. When his body was recovered it was unrecognizable. BALBINUS (Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus) Ruled 98 days in A.D. 238 The Senate named Balbinus joint emperor with Pupienus on the condition that they make Gordian III Caesar. He was murdered by the Praetorian Guard who were jealous because the Senate had named him emperor instead of one from their ranks. PUPIENUS (Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus) Ruled 98 days in A.D. 238 Joint emperor with Balbinus. He rose through the ranks of the military, and as co-emperor, had the best interests of the country at heart. The Praetorian Guard killed him along with Balbinus. GORDIAN III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Pius ) Caesar A.D. 238 Augustus A.D A popular, young emperor who was grandson of Gordian I. He fought several successful battles against the Sassanians. He died in the Middle East, either murdered by his soldiers or of natural causes, history is not clear. 22 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

23 PHILIP I (Marcus Julius Verus Philippus) Augustus A.D Known as Philip the Arab he progressed through the ranks to become Praetorian Prefect under Gordian III, and was thought to have turned the army against him. Philip s reign was marked by border invasions and rebellions. He died in battle against Trajan Decius. OTACILIA SEVERA (Marcia Otacilia Severa) Augusta A.D Little is known about Otacilia, Philip I s wife. Christian historians tend to portray her as Christian, seeking penance for her part in Gordian III s death. Now most experts think this is untrue. Some sources say she was killed by the Praetorians, one says she lived out her life in retirement. PHILIP II (Marcus Julius Severus Philippus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Philip II became Caesar at the age of seven. He died at the age of 12, soon after his father, most likely murdered by the Praetorian Guard. TRAJAN DECIUS (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius) Augustus A.D Forced to become emperor when his soldiers revolted against Philip I, Decius restored the Colosseum and many Roman traditions. He died in an ambush against the Goths along with his older son, Herennius. He was the first emperor to die in a battle against the enemy. HERENNIA ESTRUSCILLA (Herennia Cupressenia Etruscilla) Augusta A.D (?) Almost nothing is known of Herennia, except that she came from an aristocratic Italian family. Thanks to inscriptions found on coins, we know that she was Decius wife. HERENNIUS ETRUSCUS (Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D. 251 Herennius, the elder son of Trajan Decius, became Caesar in A.D. 250 and a year later, Augustus. He died with his father in the marshes of Bulgaria in the Battle of Arbitus in A.D Littleton Coin Company

24 HOSTILIAN (Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus) Caesar A.D. 250?/251 Augustus A.D. 251 Hostilian, youngest son of Trajan Decius, remained in Rome with his mother, surviving his father and brother s death. Under Trebonianus Gallus, he became Augustus, sharing the title with him. The plague killed him. TREBONIANUS GALLUS (Gaius Vibius Afinius Trebonianus Gallus) Augustus A.D Proclaimed emperor after Decius and his son were killed, Gallus made a disgraceful treaty with the Goths, and headed to Rome. There he discovered plague had crippled the city. Borders were under attack on all sides, and when Aemilian was proclaimed emperor, Gallus and his son were unable to muster enough support among the legions and were killed. VOLUSIAN (Gaius Vibius Afinius Gallus Vendumnianus Volusianus) Caesar A.D. 251 Augustus A.D Volusian was made Caesar in A.D. 251, and a year later Augustus by his father, Trebonianus. Volusian was killed in the same mutiny that claimed his father s life. AEMILIAN (Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus) Ruled about three months in A.D. 253 After a victory against the Goths, the legions made Aemilian emperor. He entered Rome and gained Senate approval, but his success was shortlived. Valerian I, commander under Gallus, marched toward the city. Aemilian s soldiers turned against him, rather than fight Valerian. VALERIAN I (Publius Licinius Valerianus) Augustus A.D Remaining loyal to Gallus, he defeated Aemilian to become sole emperor. Had Valerian ruled earlier, he might have been considered one of Rome s greatest emperors. He was captured by Shapur I of Persia and died in captivity. 24 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

25 GALLIENUS (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) Augustus A.D Gallienus was co-emperor and became sole ruler after his father, Valerian, was captured. In A.D. 260 the empire was in chaos, barbarians attacked the borders, various legions revolted, and the usurper Postumus took control of Western provinces. Eight years later, Gallienus was assassinated as he put down a rebellion. SALONINA (Julia Cornelia Salonina Crysogone) Augusta A.D An ideal empress, this woman was interested in the arts and philosophy. She worked to enhance her husband s achievements and ensure the army s loyalty. Salonina died during a massacre of Gallienus family and followers at Milan. VALERIAN II (Publius Licinius Cornelius Valerianus) Caesar A.D Valerian, the older son of Gallienus, was given the title of Caesar when his father became emperor. He died in battle on the Danube. SALONINUS (Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D. 260 Saloninus, younger son of Gallienus, became Caesar in A.D. 258 when his brother Valerian II died. After attaining the rank of Augustus in A.D. 260, he was murdered by Postumus soldiers. MACRIANUS I (Titus Fulvius Junius Macrianus) Augustus A.D Macrianus, the elder, served under Valerian I, and took command of legions in the East when the former emperor was captured. He made his sons Macrianus I and Quietus co-emperors. Macrianus I set out to topple Gallienus, but was killed in a battle. QUIETUS (Titus Fulvius Junius Quietus) Augustus A.D Quietus showed talent for leadership in both the government and military, and was left in charge of Eastern provinces. When both his father and brother were slain by Gallienus troops, he escaped to Emesa, but was taken prisoner and put to death. Littleton Coin Company

26 F rom A.D. 259 until A.D. 273, the provinces of Gaul, Spain and Britain were not under Roman rule. Starting with Postumus, various generals rose up to take control of the region. It was returned to Rome during the rule of Aurelian. Ruler in Gaul, Spain and Britain. POSTUMUS (Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus) Augustus A.D Postumus took command of legions in the Rhine under Valerian. He was considered a usurper by some, because he declared himself emperor of Gaul, Spain and Britain while Gallienus ruled. To his credit, he kept peace within his borders. His own soldiers killed him when he wouldn t allow them to sack a town after a battle. LAELIANUS (Ulpius Cornelius Laelianus) Usurper A.D. 269` Laelianus seized power in what is now Germany. His own men killed him during the revolt he started against Postumus. MARIUS (Marcus Aurelius Marius) Usurper A.D. 269 Soldier and blacksmith Marius had a reputation for having great strength. After Postumus death, the troops named him emperor. His reign was brief in just weeks he was killed by his soldiers. VICTORINUS (Marcus Piavvonius Victorinus) Augustus A.D A former tribune, Victorinus reigned in Gaul for a short time after Postumus death. His womanizing caught up with him when he insulted the wife of a military official, and was murdered. TETRICUS I (Gaius Pius Esuvius Tetricus) Augustus A.D Tetricus I was one of the few emperors who died naturally. A governor in Aquitania, he was named emperor after Victorinus death, and proved equal to the task. The constant threat of revolt by the army continued. He formally surrendered to Aurelian, and retired in peace. Once again the Roman empire was whole. TETRICUS II (Gaius Pius Esuvius Tetricus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D. 274 Named Caesar under his father s rule, and later co-emperor. After his father abdicated, Aurelian gave him a seat in the Senate and returned his family s possessions. 26 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins

27 VABALATHUS (Lucius Julius Aurelius Septimius Vabalathus Athenodorus) Augustus A.D. 270/1-272 Kingdom of Palmyra. After the murder of his father in A.D. 267, Vabalathus governed Palmyra with his mother Zenobia. When his troops named him Augustus, Aurelian marched against him. Vabalathus was taken captive by Aurelian in A.D CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Claudius) Augustus A.D A brilliant soldier who earned the title Gothicus for victory against the Goths. He plotted to have Gallienus murdered and was named emperor. He had many military successes. During his brief reign, he set Rome on the path to recovery, but died of the plague. QUINTILLUS (Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus) Augustus A.D. 270 Younger brother of Claudius Gothicus, Quintillus was initially supported by the Senate and the army as the next emperor. With Aurelian s success in battles support shifted to him instead, so Quintillus committed suicide. AURELIAN (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus) Augustus A.D Called the Restorer of the Empire, Aurelian brought Gaul back into the realm, and recovered Palmyra. An able defender of Roman borders, he pushed back the barbarians. While on a campaign he was assassinated by his generals. SEVERINA (Ulpia Severina) Augusta A.D History has left us little to remember of Severina, wife of Aurelian, except her coins. Her family name seems to indicate she might have come from the same Spanish family as Trajan. What happened to her after the murder of Aurelian is unknown. TACITUS (Marcus Claudius Tacitus) Augustus A.D The Senate and army asked Tacitus to come out of retirement. Before resuming Aurelian s campaign, Tacitus honored him and punished his killers. Historical sources are not clear about how he died it was either through treachery or sickness. Littleton Coin Company

28 FLORIAN (Marcus Annius Florianus) Ruled less than 3 months A.D. 276 As praetorian prefect for his half-brother Tacitus, Florian went East with him. When Tacitus died, the army named him emperor, which the Senate supported. But armies in Syria and Egypt backed Probus, so Florian s own soldiers killed him. PROBUS (Marcus Aurelius Probus) Augustus A.D One of Aurelius most successful generals Probus reclaimed Egypt and Palmyra. After Tacitus death, he became ruler. Borders were under attack on all sides, but by A.D. 281, he established peace. He was murdered in a revolt led by Carus. CARUS (Marcus Aurelius Carus) Augustus A.D Praetorian Prefect under Probus. As emperor Carus led a successful campaign against the Sassaninans. Ancient sources say he was struck by lightning, but now most think it was foul play. CARINUS (Marcus Aurelius Carinus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D Eldest son of Carus, and ruler in the West. Successfully fought barbarians in Gaul, put down Julian of Pannonia s rebellion, and had upper hand against Diocletian, whose troops had named him emperor, but was killed by a soldier whose wife he had seduced. NIGRINIAN Died before A.D. 283 Today we only know about Nigrinian, Carinus son, because of his coins which are very rare. Historians think he died in infancy. NUMERIAN (Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus) Caesar A.D Augustus A.D As Caesar and youngest son, Numerian fought in Persia with Carus, his father. After his father s death he was named Augustus. As he returned West to meet his brother, he was found dead in his litter. Diocletian, leader of guards, blamed Numerian s praetorian prefect. JULIAN OF PANNONIA (Marcus Aurelius Julianus) Usurper A.D With Numerian dead, Julian, governor in Northeastern Italy, decided to revolt. He marched against Carinus. The two met in northern Italy where he was defeated and killed. 28 LittletonCoin.com How to Collect Ancient Roman Coins